Chief Audit Executive (CAE) | Confidential | IPO Readiness | Riyadh

About the Opportunity

A leading and rapidly scaling logistics and supply chain group in Saudi Arabia, operating across multiple subsidiaries, is seeking a Chief Audit Executive (CAE) to lead its internal audit function at a group level.

As the organization progresses toward IPO readiness, this role will play a critical part in strengthening governance, internal controls, and risk management frameworks to meet public market standards.

Role Overview

This is a Board-facing leadership role responsible for establishing and leading a group-wide internal audit function across multiple entities and jurisdictions.

The CAE will provide independent assurance to executive leadership and the Audit & Risk Committee on governance, risk management, and control effectiveness—while supporting the organization’s transition toward a public company environment.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Leadership

• Establish and lead a group internal audit function aligned with IIA standards
• Report functionally to the Audit & Risk Committee and administratively to the CEO
• Drive a strong culture of governance, accountability, and risk awareness

IPO Readiness & Controls

• Lead ICFR and SOX readiness initiatives aligned with COSO framework
• Support IPO preparation including coordination with external auditors and advisors
• Provide assurance over financial disclosures and reporting processes

Risk-Based Audit Execution

• Develop and execute a group-wide risk-based audit plan
• Oversee audits across:
• Logistics operations (warehousing, fleet, delivery, freight)
• Financial controls (revenue, billing, procurement, treasury)
• Compliance and regulatory requirements
• Technology and ERP environments

Investigations & Advisory

• Lead fraud investigations and special reviews
• Provide strategic advisory on governance, controls, and operational efficiency

Reporting

• Deliver Board-level reporting on risks, audit findings, and remediation progress

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are targeting a senior, board-ready audit leader with experience in complex, multi-entity environments.

Required Experience

• 15+ years in internal audit, risk, or external audit
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role (Head / Director / CAE)
• Proven experience in:
• IPO readiness, ICFR, or SOX environments
• Group / multi-entity audit structures
• Operationally intensive industries (logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, etc.)

Qualifications

• Professional certification required (CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA, or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of COSO, ERM, and internal control frameworks

Leadership Profile

• Strong executive presence with ability to engage Board and Audit Committee
• High integrity and independent judgment
• Strategic thinker with operational depth

• Opportunity to build a best-in-class audit function
• Direct exposure to Board and executive leadership
• Critical role in IPO and institutional transformation journey
• High-impact position influencing governance across a large operational group